Reply by bigblockyeti

First off, I’d want to know where he’s measuring the runout from. If he’s using a precision drill rod 3”-6” from where the chuck is mounted on the spindle then that’s not too bad. If he’s pulled the chuck off and measuring that right on the Jacobs taper part of the spindle then it’s too much and will result in significantly more at the tip of a drill bit when being used. Whether or not it’s typical or not for that particular model, couldn’t tell you, many drill presses of this size and price point I’ve dealt with will have very little. When you go to look at the unit, see how the runout is being measured and listen to it while running, many (not all but most) bearing problems give at least a little audible warning that something’s not right. Check it out good at the edges of the table and around the belt cover, those to areas seem to suffer the most if they fall over which can create other problems down the road.